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UAE to India · Directors

The India-resident director requirement for UAE groups

CA Utsav Dogra, Chartered Accountant, ICAI M. No. 542375 · Updated

In brief

Every Indian company needs at least one director present in India for 182 days or more in the financial year, out of a minimum of two. UAE groups usually post a manager to India, appoint a senior Indian hire, or use a professional resident director with a limited mandate.

What is specific to UAE companies

Indian citizens working in Dubai often look like obvious directors, but they qualify only if they actually spend 182 days in India in the year.

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We run the incorporation end to end from New Delhi and tell the parent exactly what to sign and legalise.

  • Country-specific document checklist and review before legalisation
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Questions

Is the resident director personally liable?

Directors can be liable for specified defaults under company, tax and other laws, so mandates, indemnities and insurance should be in place.

General information as at 5 November 2026, not advice for a particular case. Indian and UAE rules change often; confirm the current position before acting. UAE law points should be confirmed with a UAE adviser.

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